Paua Abalone Shells are made up of calcium carbonate and grow in the ocean as part of a living ecosystem. Abalone shell has been used in many cultures. The highly iridescent inner layer of the shell has traditionally been used as a decorative item, in jewelry, buttons, and as inlay in furniture and in musical instruments such as guitars. Abalone Shell is believed to stimulate intuition and imagination. This stone is set on a plastic base to give height in a setting.